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Dino Games

A prehistoric party from FamilyFun

Transport kids back to prehistoric times with these five fun-filled games.

PIN THE HORN ON THE TRICERATOPS

Here's a fun twist on the classic party game. From poster board, cut out and color a two- to three-foot triceratops, minus its nose horn. Tack it to an outside wall (if indoors, use a bulletin board). Cut out and color the nose horn and pierce it with a dart or large tack. Spin each blindfolded player a couple of times and let her pin the horn. Mark each try with the player's name. The one who gets the horn closest to the nose wins a prize.

DINOSAUR DIG

This energy-burning bone hunt is best set up in a dry sandbox, but a sheet of plastic covered with sand and set in an easily cleaned spot will work as well. Before the party, bury twenty to thirty dog-bone biscuits of various sizes, as well as one plastic dinosaur skeleton. Let a couple of bones peek out from the surface to give the kids a head start. Hand out a small plastic pail and shovel to each child and give them five minutes to dig up as many dinosaur parts as possible (they must use the shovel; no hands allowed!). The child who finds the most bones gets a prize; the one who finds the dinosaur gets to keep it.

CAVEKIDS COSTUME CONTEST

As instructed in the invitations, each child is to come dressed in cavekid gear. Award their creativity by having a costume contest. First, before the party begins, create a "cave" by spreading a large tarp or old sheet over low hanging branches or porch furniture. Outside the entrance, place a pile of sticks within a ring of stones to create a "fire." One by one, announce a new name for each child--such as Ooga, Eektar or Rocklob--and send him into the cave. Once all of the cavekids have piled inside, call each child out by his new name and have him sit by the fire; call the birthday child last. Beat on a bongo to encourage the kids to ham it up. When all of the children are around the fire, award each a prize for their costumes such as best bone hairdo, funniest sandals, furriest outfit and so on.

CAVEKIDS DRAWINGS

On a wall, hang a roll of paper at least six feet long (but preferably up to 10 feet long). Have the children draw a picture of their favorite dinosaur on it. When they're done, ask them to name their new prehistoric friend (parents can write the names in) and sign their name next to their drawing. In advance of the party, you and your child might want to draw in some background scenery, such as boulders, palm trees, ferns, ponds and hills, to help get the mural started. The final product will make a nice keepsake for your child to remind him of his hit dinosaur party.

THE ERUPTING VOLCANO

This popular kitchen-science experiment is a delightful shocker. Before the party begins, mound a pile of modeling clay into a volcano shape and place it in the center of a shallow box or tray. Scoop out a deep well at the top. At the party, gather the kids around so that they are at eye level with the volcano. Pour 1/4 cup water into the well and mix in 1 tablespoon baking soda and a few drops each of liquid detergent and red food coloring. When everyone is ready, pour in 1/4 cup of white vinegar and watch 'er blow.

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